Personal Life
R.A.'s father, Staff Sgt. John A. Thorburn, was a Vietnam veteran affected by Agent Orange. R.A.'s family was significantly affected by the potent chemical. His brother Maxx was born handicapped and blind, eventually dying at the age of 10. R.A's sister, Dee Ann, was born without the ability to walk or speak. She died in 2007 at the age of 27. R.A. tells his father's story in "Uncommon Valor: A Vietnam Story," from the Jedi Mind Tricks album Servants in Heaven, Kings in Hell (which was also re-released on the compilation Legendary Classics vol. 1). In his song "Lessons", R.A. alludes to suffering from mental illness.
John A. Thorburn died 7 January 2010 from cancer. R.A. said that his father was truly happy within his last year of life, due to his mindset that he could plan his death.
He is of German descent on his mother's side.
Read more about this topic: R.A. The Rugged Man
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